Hookless clothes hanger system

ABSTRACT

A clothes hanging system wherein a clothes hanger has a metal or magnetic plug in lieu of a hook and may be packaged with metal or magnetic rods, strips or mounting systems for the purpose of hanging clothing to achieve clothes organization while eliminating stretching of collars and tangling of hangers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applications61/165,976 filed Apr. 2, 2009 and 61/289,463 filed Dec. 23, 2009 by thepresent inventors and the applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

NAMES OF PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally clothes organization and moreparticularly to a novel hookless clothes hanger system incorporatingmagnet technology.

2. Description of the Related Art

The traditional clothes hanger, comprised of a hanger body upon whichclothing is draped, and a hook for holding the hanger on a pole or rod,has seen very little modification during the course of its history.Modifications in the prior art have consisted of variations of materialused to create the hanger body, such as wire, wood or plastic;variations in shape, such as triangular or rectangular; and variousmethods to keep clothing from slipping off, such as slot areas to holdstraps, or friction materials on the shoulder area to keep clothing inplace.

Multiple disadvantages exist with the traditional clothes hanger design.The hooks in the traditional design cause hangers to quickly becometangled if stored in a pile. The necessity of a pole to hang the hook onrequires excess space, both vertically and horizontally, and limitsclothing storage in certain small areas. When hangers are used incommercial establishments there is a tendency for them to be stolen asthey are easily removed from the clothes rod and then used in thethief's home. The hook feature found on traditional hangers can easilystretch out the collar or neck line of garments as the user attempts toinsert the hanger into the article of clothing. In order to avoidstretching out the neck the user must insert the hanger from the bottomof the shirt, pulling it up through the inside of the shirt and graspingit from the top of the shirt. This method is cumbersome and tedious,especially in the retail setting where speed in hanging articles ofclothing is important.

There accordingly remains a need for simple, innovative design forhanging clothing that eliminates the above disadvantages found in theprior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages shown in the prior art are solved by a hooklessclothes hanger system. The disclosed invention reveals a traditionalhanger structure, with the hook feature eliminated. In its place, thehanger has a small plug for coupling with an attracting surface.

The disclosed invention poses numerous advantages. The first advantageis that this technology enables clothes hangers to be hung from avariety of places rather than just on a horizontal clothes pole in acloset. The possibilities are endless and are especially useful forcommercial applications such as clothing retailers who want to be ableto hang clothes from a variety of surfaces and at interesting angles orin tight corners.

The second advantage is that the elimination of the hook renders a neat,contemporary look to clothes hanging, giving a modern, edgy appearance.

The third advantage is that the elimination of the hook similarlyeliminates the age old problem of stretched out necklines and collars.Without the hook the user is able to insert the hanger much farther intothe neck opening of the garment, enabling the user to quickly and onehandedly hang a shirt, dress, blouse or sweater with no stretching.

The fourth advantage is that it is much faster and easier to hang thehanger, especially for shorter individuals, like children. The user needonly bring the plug of the hanger near the attracting surface and thehanger quickly adheres, eliminating the need to reach up and hook thehanger over a clothes rod.

The fifth advantage is that the elimination of the hook eliminates thetangled mess that so quickly materializes when hangers are tossedtogether in a pile. Without the hook, it is literally impossible for thehangers to tangle, a welcome relief for consumers and retailers alike.

The sixth advantage is the inherent anti-theft benefit that will befurther explained herein.

The seventh advantage is the space savings. The hook on hangers isseveral inches tall. With elimination of the hook, several inches ofvertical closet space are saved. The closet shelves traditionally abovethe clothes rod can be lowered accordingly, allowing more accessibilityfor the user.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanyingfigures, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment ofthe present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings contained herein represent preferred embodiments of theinvention and are not intended to limit the scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front or rear view of the preferred embodiment inaccordance with the disclosed invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment in accordancewith the disclosed invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front or rear view of an embodiment in accordancewith the disclosed invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment in accordancewith the disclosed invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front or rear view of an embodiment in accordancewith the disclosed invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an embodiment in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an embodiment in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an embodiment in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an embodiment in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a closet using the preferredembodiment of the disclosed invention.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

Certain terms are used throughout the following description to refer toparticular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,design and manufacturing companies may refer to a component by differentnames. This document does not intend to distinguish between componentsthat differ in name but not function.

In the following discussion, the terms “including” and “comprising” areused in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean“including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or“couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection.Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection maybe through a direct connection or through an indirect connection viaother intermediate devices and connections. Moreover, the term “system”means “one or more components” combined together. Thus, a system cancomprise an “entire system” or “subsystems” within the system.

The term “metal” when referred to herein may refer to any type ofsurface that forms an attraction with a magnet, including steel, iron,nickel, cobalt, and other ferrous metals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference will now bemade to the accompanying illustrative drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front or rear view of a clothes hanger 10, with the bodyhaving a traditional triangular shape and presumably constructed ofplastic, metal or wood. The clothes hanger 10 has no hook and insteadhas a small plug 12 in the vicinity of where the base of a traditionalhook would sit. FIG. 1 further illustrates two side arms 14 of equallength, each one projecting down from opposite sides of where the plug12 is seated and upon which a garment would be draped. FIG. 1 furtherdepicts a bottom bar 16 with a first and a second end, each end beingadhered to the lower end of the side arms 14 and over which a garmentsuch as pants or a sweater would traditionally be draped. In thetraditional triangular hanger 10 shown here, the two side arms 14 cometogether to form the upper point of the triangle body where the hookwould traditionally be housed. In lieu of the hook, in a preferredembodiment, the plug 12 is seated, such that the body of the plug 12 isburied in the top of the hanger 10 and a portion of the plug 12 extendsout from the top of the hanger 10 to allow coupling with a surface.

In a preferred embodiment the plug 12 is a magnet of sufficient strengthto hold a reasonably heavy article of clothing, for example a largejacket or coat. The magnet may be neodymium due to its strength byweight, or a substantially similar magnet.

In an alternate embodiment, the plug is a metal to which magnets areattracted and which may include steel.

In the embodiment where the plug 12 is a magnet or magnetized, the plughangs from metal (which may include steel) bars, rods, strips, shelvesor any metal surface. In the embodiment where the plug 12 is metal, itis used to hang from a magnetic surface, such as a magnetic stripadhered to the underside of a closet shelf.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plug 12 in the same type of hanger.As in FIG. 1, the plug 12 is seated in the center upper portion of thehanger 10 and the right and left side bars 14 and lower bar 16 arevisible.

FIG. 3 is a front or rear view of a traditionally known plastic hanger10 with equal sized side arms 14 and lower bar 16. In this type ofembodiment, the plug 12 may be injection molded into the top of theplastic hanger body. The plug 12 can be permanently affixed to the topof the hanger 10 by injection molding, by drilling a hole and applyingadhesive, by pressed in techniques, by a groove in the plug 12 itself orany known method in the art.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the same, for better viewing of the plug12. In the preferred embodiment, where the plug 12 is a magnet, themagnet may be a neodymium magnet, although other types of magnets may beused. In the preferred embodiment, N45-N52 or stronger magnets are used,however other types and strengths of magnets may be used and the size ofthe magnet can be varied depending on the strength of the magnet used.The magnet may be coated with one of any variety of materials orthicknesses and may include nickel or copper. The plug 12 may be of anyshape that could include sphere, ball, rectangle, square, disc, arc,ring, tube, a threaded screw design or thumb tack design, or any otherembodiment that achieves the desired purpose of coupling the hanger bodywith the attractant surface. In the examples shown herein, the plug 12was approximately 0.375″ across×0.375″ tall and of a cylinder shape. Theplug 12 protrudes from the hanger 10 body by approximately ¼″ to ¾″,although other lengths are possible.

FIG. 5 is a front or rear view of the plug 12 as used on a rectangularclothes hanger 20 with an upper bar 22 and a lower wire bar 24 withrectangular clips 26 to hold the clothing.

In a preferred embodiment using the magnet plugs, the plugs may have themagnetic poles facing the same way so that they repel each other toprevent pinched fingers. In an alternate embodiment, the top area of thehanger can be raised up around the plug to provide protection for themagnet and even prevent the magnets from being attracted to each other.

FIG. 6 is a top or bottom view of a magnetic or metal strip 30 withscrew holes 32 for mounting the strip 30 to shelving, walls, cabinets ordoorways. The length can vary. This strip 30 can be mounted using screwsor other adhesive means, to the top of doorways, in small spaces, to theunderside of closet shelving or in other areas where it is desirable tohang clothing. As might be expected, one would use the magnetic plughangers with the metal strip and the metal plug hangers with themagnetic strip.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an adhesive strip 34 that may be used,along with the screws, to mount the magnetic or metal strip 30 to theunderside of the closet shelving or other desired location.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a metal L bracket 40. This L bracket40 can be mounted to a variety of vertical surfaces to create convenienthanging space where none was previously available. As an example, thevertical arm 42 of the L bracket 40 could be mounted to the side of alocker, to a wall, to the side of a dresser or innumerable othervertical surfaces. The disclosed invention hanger 10 with the plug 12,specifically the magnet plug, can then be hung from the horizontal arm44 of the L bracket 40, as specifically depicted in FIG. 8 showing theside view and in FIG. 9 showing the front view.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the interior of a closet 50, showing thegarments on the hangers 10 and the plug 12 protruding from the top ofthe hanger 10. In the specific view shown, the hangers 10 may be hungfrom a track 52 where the plugs 12 adhere by attraction to theattracting strip 30 inside of the track 52 or the track itself. A widevariety of sizes and thicknesses of magnetic mounting materials may beused provided the utilized material is capable of holding the weight ofclothing upon hangers and is unobtrusive.

One intended use of the disclosed invention is as an anti-theft devicefor commercial establishments such as hotels and clothing retailers. Fewend users would wish to steal a hanger that could only be used with aninstalled magnetic mounting system. In a hotel, as an example, themagnetic strip may be installed as part of a track system in the closet.In such an embodiment the metal plug can be a ball bearing such that iteasily rolls along the accompanying track system. Additionally,decorative and aesthetic accoutrements could be added to the tracksystem including lighting on one or both sides of the magnetic strip.The hanger can also be solid metal, or just the top portion may bewrapped in metal. The hanger can then be hung from a magnetic strip orrod. The elimination of the hook, and the addition of the steel or metalplug, solves the problems identified in the prior art and offers a neat,contemporary look to clothes hanging.

In a preferred embodiment, the user may elect to remove the existingclothes pole in the closet and affix the metal strip to the underside ofthe closet shelving that is typically in place above a clothes pole. Themetal strip can be of varying sizes although ½″ wide is sufficient toallow the magnet to adhere and hold garments of average weight and ⅛″thick allows for minimal visibility of the strip. The user will saveapproximately 5-6″ of vertical closet space by using this system ratherthan a closet clothes pole. In addition, the user may elect to affix anadditional metal strip a foot or more behind the first strip. Clothes onmagnet hangers may be hung on the second strip in a parallel, ratherthan perpendicular manner to the metal strip. These articles of clothingcould lay against the back wall and the second metal strip would therebyprovide additional hanging storage, for articles that are used lessfrequently.

The same system may be used under laundry room cabinets, in smallspaces, under doorways or anywhere that a user desires to hang clothingbut does not wish to mount a bulky and unsightly clothes rod, especiallyif ones uses the metal L bracket to enable even more potential hangingspaces.

Yet another embodiment for the plug system is for it to be applied totie or belt holders in the same fashion it is used in place of the hookon hangers.

One does not necessarily have to eliminate the clothes pole if it ismetal and the user desires to keep it, as the disclosed hanger with themagnet plug adheres effectively to even round metal clothes rods.

The versatility of this system is that the hangers easily adhere and arejust as easily removed, providing another benefit in speed of hanging upand removing clothes. Yet another benefit is that, without the hook, thehanger does not have to be lifted in an upward fashion to be removedfrom a clothes pole. This is a benefit to those of shorter stature, orin areas where the clothes rod or pole is higher than normal.

The metal strip may be painted a color to blend in with itssurroundings. In an embodiment, a ½″ wide by ⅛″ thick metal strip couldbe mounted to the top of a doorway. If the doorway were white, the metalstrip could be painted white. The metal strip would be minimallyvisible, yet the user could quickly and easily hang clothing in thedoorway. This could be of value in a laundry room or even in a living orbedroom. Many people enjoy folding their laundry while watching TV in aliving room or den. With this embodiment they can hang their clotheswithout making multiple trips to the bedroom closet.

The plugs or the strips may also be covered by paint, powder coating,light plastic, rubber or fabric, provided the material used does notsignificantly interfere with the strength of the magnet. One benefit ofcoating or covering the plugs is reduced sound when the plug coupleswith the surface.

Although preferred embodiments are illustrated with regard to types,sizes and strengths of magnets and types and sizes of metal strips,there are many types of possible embodiments that would be apparent toone skilled in the art.

While the figures depict the traditional triangular shape of hangers,other shapes and embodiments can be used. The term hanger used hereincan refer to any clothes hanger that has a body capable of supporting anarticle of clothing. As an example, some clothes hangers are in arectangular, rather than triangular shape, and may have clips to holdpants or other garments. The type of hanger body or material of which itis constructed is not an obstacle to the use of the magnetic, hooklessmethod. Tie and belt holders are another example.

While the disclosed invention has been described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments thereof, many changes, modifications, alterationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Theinvention should therefore not be limited to the particular preferredembodiment disclosed but should include all embodiments that could fallwithin the scope of the claims.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in thedrawings and described in detail above are intended to be illustrative,not limiting, and various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims set forthbelow.

1. A clothes hanger comprising: a magnetic plug protruding from the topof a hookless clothes hanger body, wherein said magnetic plug coupleswith a magnet attracting surface to support the hanger.
 2. The clotheshanger of claim 1 wherein the magnetic plug is neodymium.
 3. The clotheshanger of claim 1 wherein the attracting surface is a ferrous metal. 4.The clothes hanger of claim 1 wherein the body of the hanger isgenerally triangular shaped.
 5. The clothes hanger of claim 1 whereinthe body is generally rectangular shaped.
 6. The clothes hanger of claim1 wherein the body is a tie holder.
 7. The clothes hanger of claim 1wherein the body is a belt holder.
 8. A clothes hanger comprising: aferrous metal plug protruding from the top of a hookless clothes hangerbody, wherein said plug couples with a magnetic surface to support thehanger.
 9. The clothes hanger of claim 8 wherein the body of the hangeris generally triangular shaped.
 10. The clothes hanger of claim 8wherein the body of the hanger is generally rectangular shaped.
 11. Theclothes hanger of claim 8 wherein the body of the hanger is a tieholder.
 12. The clothes hanger of claim 8 wherein the body of the hangeris a belt holder.
 13. An anti-theft hanger system, comprising: ahookless garment hanger having a metal plug protruding from the top ofthe hanger where the hook would traditionally be; a magnetic surfaceabove the hanger to which the metal plug adheres.
 14. The anti-thefthanger system of claim 13 wherein the metal plug is a ball bearing. 15.The anti-theft system of claim 13 wherein the magnetic surface is amagnetic strip mounted to the inside of a track system.